Arts & Crafts

Seychelles enjoys a wide array of arts and crafts and pottery ranging from books, jewellery, sculptures, paintings and clothing to objects made from other-of-pearl and shells, needlework, crochet, stained glass, bamboo, model boats, woodwork and the legendary Coco- De-Mer.

Banks

Banks with ATM facilities are situated in Victoria, Anse Royale and at the Airport on Mahé, Grand Anse, Baie St. Anne and Cote D’Or on Praslin as well as La Passe for La Digue.

Opening hours vary from:        • 08h30 to 14h00 – Monday to Friday        • 08h30 to 11h00 – Saturdays

Beaches

Most beaches in Seychelles are protected by reefs and consequently are safe for swimming but strong currents can occur at certain times of the year and attention should be paid to any notice boards present. Exceptionally beautiful beaches: Mahé: Beau Vallon Beach, Anse Intendance, Anse Royale, Anse Soleil, Anse Takamaka, Anse Louis and Port Launay Praslin: Côte d’Or, Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio La Digue: Grand Anse, Petit Anse, Anse Coco, Anse Severe and Anse Source d’Argent

Birdlife

The islands are densely populated by both land and sea birds with unique endemic and endangered species to be found only in certain locations throughout the islands. Car Hire and Driving Cars are only available on Mahé and Praslin, where there is a wide choice of rental vehicles and include both European and Japanese closed cars and 4x4’s. We can arrange for vehicles to be delivered to and collected from your hotel or the airport. Drive on the left-hand side of the road. You will require a valid international or E.U. driving licence. The speed limit varies between 40kmh – 65kmh depending on the road.

Service stations are not 24-hour facilities and close at different times during the evening. It is advisable to fill up during the daytime.

Clothing

As the temperature in Seychelles rarely drops below 27° C throughout the year, light clothing is appropriate with women advised to bring light cotton dresses, trousers, and shorts for day wear and a long skirt or cool dress for evenings. Men will be most comfortable in linen or shorts and open neck shirts during the day and are advised to wear lightweight trousers in the evening. Sandals or light canvas shoes are suitable as footwear.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops. For American Express and Diners Club card holders, please liaise with your representatives.

Currency

By law, visitors must pay for board and lodgings and other tourism related expenses in hotels, guesthouses or self-caterings in major international currency notes or by credit card. This also applies to car hire, diving, boat charter, excursions, ferry or air transport and entrance fees to reserves and marine parks.

Please refrain from exchanging all your foreign currency at once, as you will only be able to reconvert a certain percentage of your leftovers back on departure at the airport. To do so, you are required to retain your receipt and use the same bankers. However, we recommend that you use your credit cards where you can.

Exchange rates are published daily and a copy can be obtained from the banks or alternatively at your hotel or in the local newspaper (the Seychelles Nation). The official currency is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR), divided into 100 cents and issued in the following denominations:
Notes: SCR 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500.
Coins: SCR 5, SCR 1, 25 cents, 10 cents and 5 cents.
Seychelles accepts all major currencies as well as Travellers Cheques.

Electricity

The electric current is delivered as 240/220 v AC via square-pinned, 3 point, 13 amp plugs, as used to British standards.

Exit Regulations

When leaving the Seychelles, the authorities restrict the export of the Coco de Mer (except with a valid permit), live shells, fish, tortoises, turtles and birds.Ferry Services Our own modern high speed Cougar/Icat Catamaran ‘Cat Cocos’ operates between Mahé and Praslin with three different classes available for passengers. A traditional, sail-assisted schooner operates between Praslin and La Digue. Ferries operate from the inter-island quay in Victoria to Baie Ste. Anne on Praslin, and to La Passe on La Digue.

Health

The Seychelles is free from Malaria and tropical diseases. We are recognized as being one of the best medically equipped countries in the African region. The modern central hospital is in Victoria, with clinics spread throughout the principal districts of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. There are also several doctors and dentists in private practices whose fees vary according to the cost of the service provided.

For emergency cases, a doctor is available on a 24-hour basis at most hotels. The Emergency number for Ambulance, Fire or Police is 999. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended.

Languages

Creole, English and French are the official languages of the Seychelles and all three are widely spoken throughout the country. Our team of experienced, multilingual representatives is also conversant in German, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Chinese, Greek, Arabic and Swahili.

Personal Safety

The Seychelles is a friendly island with affable people but it is recommended you stick to basic precautions such as keeping your valuables safe.

Pharmacies

The pharmacy at Victoria Hospital opens Monday to Friday 08h00 to 18h00 and until 12h00 on Saturdays. The main pharmacy, Behram’s, can be found in Victoria Arcade. On Praslin and La Digue the only pharmacy outlets may be found at the hospitals.

Photography

Both colour and black and white film are available in certain shops and most hotel boutiques. Please consider nature when using flash photography. The Seychelles is one of the most photographed destinations in the world. Its translucent lights and colours are sought by some of the best professionals in the business.

Postal Services

The Central Post Office in Victoria is open between 08h00 to 16h00 from Monday to Friday and 08h00 to 12h00 on Saturdays. However, most hotels provide postal facilities.

Public Holidays

Public Transport

Mahe and Praslin have a bus service which operates daily. Timetables are available at your hotel’s reception, from the Central Bus depot or local Seychelles Tourist Offices. Taxis operate on a 24-hour basis.

Religions

Over 90% of the Seychelles' population consists of Roman Catholic, with Anglican and other Protestant churches on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue existing in harmony alongside small Muslim, Hindu and Baha'i communities. There is no dress code imposed by religion in Seychelles.

Restaurants

Besides those of hotels and guesthouses, there are numerous restaurants dotted throughout the islands that feature Creole, Italian, Indian, Asian and International cuisine. There is an abundance of take-away shops and also several café’s. Many of the finer restaurants open only in the evening when it is advisable to reserve.

Shops

The main shopping district on Mahe is Victoria, with smaller ateliers scattered throughout the islands. The Seychelles is not a commercial destination for shopping but there are plenty of souvenir shops for you to peruse. Most shops operate between 0800 hrs and 1600 hrs, Monday to Friday, and 0800 hrs to 1200 hrs on Saturdays. Most are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Telecommunications

Seychelles has an efficient telecommunications service with direct dialing to most countries. Cable & Wireless and Airtel operate a 24-hour link for worldwide communications and have several coin and phonecard booths around the islands. Mobile phones (GSM) and Internet facilities are also available.

Time Zone difference

The Seychelles Granitic Archipelago is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in winter and three hours during summer. Tipping